Cotswolds
Why we love the Cotswolds
Famous for its lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers, this rural belle has graced countless books, artworks and TV shows – but does it live up to the hype? Absolutely. From the willow-shaded banks of the River Thames, and Blenheim Palace’s lavish decor, to the honey-coloured cottages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Burford – it’s all just as idyllic as you imagine.
The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966, an accolade it more than lives up to – but this landscape isn’t just for admiring. There are ancient castles to explore, wild lakes to kayak, local wines to taste, and endless trails to hike, cycle and ride.
Totalling nearly 800 square miles (2,000 square km), the region spans five west-central counties, yet is just 90 minutes from London. With so much to see, do and discover, here’s how to plan your trip.
Find the prettiest spot
Which is the fairest village of all? With rose-covered cottages, antique shops and steeple-topped churches, the Cotswolds’ rural communities are utterly charming – such as Snowshill, Asthall and Stow-on-the-Wold. Castle Combe might look familiar: it was a filming location for Downton Abbey.
Get a date in the diary
Music, arts, literature, food… the festival calendar is full to the brim. For artisan food and big-name bands, check out The Big Feastival (August), while The Cotswold Show (July) promises craft stalls, falconry, dog shows and more. Other highlights include the Cotswold Beer Festival, live music at Barn on the Farm, and global culture at WOMAD.
Relax at the spa
The Cotswolds boasts some seriously sumptuous spas. Pamper-seeking locals head to Calcot Manor, Dormy House and Thyme – which even has a springwater swimming pool. Or, indulge your spiritual side with Bamford Wellness’ sound-bath healing, breathwork and meditation sessions.
Plan a big day out
Dawn ’til dusk, fill your days with adventure: from meeting giraffes at Cotswold Wildlife Park and feeding the penguins at Birdland, to exploring the cute model village at Bourton-on-the-Water. Love puzzles? Visit the Dragonfly Maze. Celebrating? Raise a toast at Cotswold Distillery. There really is something for everyone.
See a different side of history
The region’s historic houses and palaces are packed with fun things to do – such as sculpture trails and movie screenings at Sudeley Castle, festive lights and live music at Longleat House, and festivals galore at Blenheim Palace. The National Trust’s Chastleton House also runs behind-the-scenes tours.
Go wild on the water
Make waves! With its sandy beach, nature reserves and watersports centres, Cotswold Water Park is idyllic in summer – whether you’re wild swimming, kayaking, windsurfing or jet skiing. There are 150 lakes to explore, plus water-view hotels, glamping lodges and a floating obstacle course.
Cotswolds
Embracing five English counties, the lush rolling countryside, pretty stone villages, and rambling rivers of The Cotswolds offer a quintessential taste of Britain.
Visit Cirencester, the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, and discover its Roman roots or marvel at the honey-coloured villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Burford.
Explore walking trails around picturesque Castle Coombe, go kayaking or sailing at Cotswold Water Park or be charmed by the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.
Admire vintage cars at Cotswold Motor Museum, and enjoy heritage train travel at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.
Fun fact
Fun fact
From the top of the iconic 18th century Broadway Tower, it’s possible to see for 60 miles (96km) in good weather – a view taking in 16 different counties!
Did you know?
Did you know?
At 800 square miles (2,072 square km), The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - an area conserved for its landscape - in England and Wales, and can be explored on the 102-mile (164km) Cotswold Way trail.
Dating back to the 12th century, historic Berkeley Castle is the oldest building in England to still be lived in by the same family who built it, the Berkeley’s.
Cleeve Hill, at 1,083 ft (330 metres) above sea level, is the highest point in Gloucestershire and the highest peak in the Cotswold Hills, offering spectacular views of Cheltenham.
Built of Cotswold stone, the Modle Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is the only model village in the country to be awarded Grade II listed status (for its architecture and historical importance) and is a one-ninth scale model of the original.
The official source of the River Thames, the longest river in England, can be traced to a spring at Thames Head, marking the start of a 184-mile (296km) journey to London, and 215-mile (346km) route to the sea.
Things to do in the Cotswolds
Featured things to do
New challenge
Start the spring with a hike through the region’s rolling countryside, following the Cotswold Way. Whether you tackle a small section of this glorious trail or walk its entire length, from Chipping Campden to Bath, you’ll be rewarded with tip-top views.
Learn more about the Cotswold Way
Flower power
Take a sweet-scented walk through the Cotswold Lavender meadows, as they bloom a magnificent purple – or discover the pink and lilac blossoms at Wyke Manor’s Confetti Fields.
Learn more about Cotswold Lavender
Spooky season
Feel the crunch of the autumn leaves beneath your feet as you explore beautiful Blenheim’s parkland and its patchwork of paths. Star of the show this season is Halloween at Blenheim Palace, a family-friendly trail with spooks around every corner. Warm up with a frighteningly good hot chocolate, or toast marshmallows over the crackling fire.
Discover autumn at Blenheim Palace
Seasonal sparkle
Feast on gingerbread and glühwein in the Cotswolds’ Christmas markets: the likes of Broadway, Burford and Cirencester are full of festive cheer, while Bourton-on-the-Water’s twinkling Christmas tree sits right on the river.
Places to stay in the Cotswolds
Heritage hotels
If walls could talk, the Cotswolds’ historic hotels would tell tales of holidaying monarchs and noble families. If you love fine dining, plush decor and five-star service, look no further.
Rental cottages
Make yourself at home in a picture-perfect stone cottage. In villages and towns all over the region, these traditional homes often feature log burners, roll-top baths and gardens.
Quirky glampsites
Take your pick from bell tents, shepherd’s huts and cosy yurts, all set in woodlands and wildflower meadows. Simple pleasures are paramount, such as picnics and long country walks.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Cotswolds
With the likes of Oxford, Bristol and Bath on its doorstep, the Cotswolds is easy to reach by rail, and direct trains between London Paddington and Moreton-in-Marsh take just 90 minutes. If you’re arriving internationally, London Heathrow is around a two-hour drive, while the airports of Bristol and Birmingham are just over an hour’s transfer away.
Getting around
Travelling by public transport is recommended – especially in summer, when the narrow roads can get congested. Regular trains run throughout the region, but buses venture deeper into the smaller villages and hamlets. Hire a bike to explore even further on traffic-free trails and bridleways; if you’re pedalling long-distance, Luggage Transfers can transport your suitcases.
By steam train
For a spectacular steam-powered journey between Cheltenham and Broadway, hop on board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
By public transport
With a Cotswolds One Day Discoverer pass, you’ll enjoy unlimited travel on the region’s plentiful buses and local trains.
By car
If you choose to drive, opt for an electric car if possible: there are charging points all over the Cotswolds, and at many hotels too.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in the Cotswolds?
Planning a business event in the Cotswolds?
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